Thailand is a historically rich country in Far East Asia. There are a lot of historical sites such as fortresses, palaces, temples, parks and other places to attest to that fact. This Kingdom has seen a lot of power struggle and turmoil in the past, and empires have forged history here. Due to its geographical location, it has been a subject to a constant power struggle between empires from the east and south Asia. Enjoying such an important geographical location, Thailand has a great number of unique forts, famous historical landmarks, temples, and royal palaces all around.
Some of these landmarks and famous historical sights are now in a state of ruin, due to their ancient roots and constant power shifting. They are centuries old and tell us a lot about their rich history. Although modern Thailand and its capital city Bangkok is based on the reign of Chakri dynasty, and most palaces and forts were built in the late 17th and 18th-century. To find out and explore the ancient historical world of Thailand, you need to travel to Bangkok first. The capital of Thailand has one of the biggest airports in the world, and it serves all the tourists and passengers who want to explore the beauty of this piece of heaven on Earth.
Famous Historical Sites of Thailand
Today there are numerous forts, palaces, and mansions open to the tourists and the local public. Even though some are still used by the Royal Thai family, they are still open occasionally to visitors.
This article is a dedicated guide to locals and foreigners about the unique forts and historical palaces in Thailand. Read it and enhance your knowledge about rich Thai history and all the major forts associated with it.
Fort Mahakan
Built in the 18th-century, this fort is one of the two existing defensive citadels of the old walled city. Today, it is completely painted in white and with an octagonal shape, it is one of the best spots to visit and take pictures. There are some wooden houses in the neighborhood that are almost a century old. The fort is significant and a famous tourist spot of Bangkok.
Phra Pathommachedi
Phra Pathommachedi or Phra Pathom Chedi is a stupa in the Wat Phra Pathommachedi temple in the town of Nakhon Pathom in Thailand. It is the tallest stupa in Thailand, and one of the tallest in the whole world. This stupa is holy and sacred, and it is also the oldest ruins of Buddhist structure. Visiting this place is highly recommended whenever you visit Thailand.
Fort Pong Patchamit
This fort was built in 1852 in Khlong San. The main purpose of this fort was to protect the western flank of Bangkok exposed over the Chao Phraya River. Although considered as the forgotten fort of Thailand, it was one of the most important forts of 19th-century. Sadly, today only a small part of the wall remains. It is open to visitors in the visiting hours.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is a 13th-century historical park in the northern part of Thailand. The parks consist of ruins of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang. It means “the City of Good People”. This park was the official home of crown prince in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, this place holds a significant value to the Thai people and is visited by thousands from all over the world.
Fort Vichai Prasit
Built in late 17th-century, Fort Vichai Prasit was used as a defensive line to protect the Siamese capital city of Ayutthaya from foreign invasion. Although visiting access is restricted to any tourist as it is part of the Thai Navy’s Headquarters. But you can enjoy a great view from a boat in the Chao Phraya River.
Phra Sumen Fort
This fort was built in 1783 to defend Bangkok from any naval attack. It was initially named Mt Meru, derived from a Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. Bangkok once had 14 citadels and watchtowers on the city walls, today only two exist. One is Mahakan Fort and the other one is Phra Sumen Fort. This fort is one of the best standing structure of Thailand. It is open to the general public and tourists.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
The historic city of Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya Historical Park is a 14th-century city founded by King Ramathibodi I. This city is a magnificent sight to behold and can amaze you beyond any description. This city was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767.
Chulachomklao Fort
Located at the opening of river Chao Phraya, in the province of Samut Prakan. This fort was built in 1893 and is famous for the prominent Paknam incident with the French Flotilla. Today, you can visit HTMS Maeklong, a former training ship of Royal Thai Navy. It is now permanently anchored there, waiting to be visited by all the tourists.
Chiang Mai Fort city walls
Chiang Mai Fort is basically the ruins of ancient city walls of Lanna Dynasty. There are four remaining citadels now namely Hua Lin Corner, Katam Corner, Ku Hueang Corner, and Si Phum Corner. Do visit the remains of this fort when visiting this beautiful northern city of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Phom Phet Fortress
Phom Phet Fortress is one of the few remaining defensive forts of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Located at the congregating point of Chao Phraya and Pasak Rivers, it was built to counter any Burmese offense in the 16th-century.
Doi Suthep
Doe Suthep is a Theravada Wat, located in Chiang Mai Province of Thailand. This is a temple and is sacred to many Thai people. Located near the city of Chiang Mai, it can be easily visited. So when you are visiting Northern Thailand, make sure you visit Doe Suthep too.
Phlaeng Faifa Fort
This fort is located in central Thailand. Only a few parts of this fortress are in good condition. It was used as a military base and the main purpose of this fort was to garrison the forces needed to protect the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It played a vital role in the defense of the kingdom and for this reason, it was always equipped with the latest guns, canons and other weapons from the Renaissance period and age of discovery.